Unforeseen circumstances can shake your budget, causing big trouble when you are all set to enjoy your holidays. Thankfully, Southwest, a favorite low-cost carrier, keeps a rundown on all of these factors. The airline allows you to travel for free as long as you follow the Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy.
The policy generally focuses on the number of bags, size, weight, and limit. These policies help make travel more affordable and accessible. Proper understanding of these policies will save you a lot of money and time and avoid unexpected baggage issues when traveling. For more details, call customer service for SWA checked bags at +1(800) 912-9792 or 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792).
What Is Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy?
Southwest Airlines offers a convenient and passenger-friendly baggage policy to adhere to. Read the below mentioned points to learn about Southwest Baggage Policy.
- Free Checked Baggage – Passengers can carry two bags free of charge given they meet the size and weight limitation.
- Carry on items – Each person can bring one carry on bag and one personal article on board without any charges.
Therefore, while flying with Southwest Airlines make sure you are following these simple Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy for a hassle free journey.
Southwest Checked Baggage Policy
Southwest Airlines offers a convenient and passenger-friendly baggage policy to adhere to. Read the below mentioned points to learn about Southwest Baggage Policy.
- Free Checked Baggage— Passengers can carry two bags free of charge, provided they meet the size and weight limitations.
- Carry-on items— Each person can bring one carry-on bag and one personal article on board without any charges.
Therefore, while flying with Southwest Airlines, make sure you follow these simple Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy for a hassle-free journey.
Southwest Carryon and Personal Items Policy
Passengers need to adhere to Southwest’s carry-on and personal items policy so that there is no ruckus at the time of boarding.
- You can bring one carryon bag and one personal item without a charge.
- The size limit of one carryon bag is 24” (L) + 16” (W) + 10” (H) including wheels and handles of your baggage.
- However, as per the Southwest baggage rules, remember to store the bag in the overhead space and your personal items below your seat.
How Much Does Southwest Charge for its Baggage?
Usually a passenger is not charged for two carry-on bags but the scenario might be different in case you are traveling with more than 2 checked bags. For a better understanding, read the below-mentioned pointers.
- As per the Southwest Airlines Luggage policy, passengers flying with 1 or 2 checked bags along with personal items will be charged $0
- You need to pay $150 per bag in case you are flying with three checked bags.
- If you are flying with 1 carry-on bag or 2 carry-on bags along with personal items, you won’t be charged any specific fee.
- You need to pay $200 per bag larger than 62 inches or up to 80 inches under the oversized checked bag.
- Passengers need to pay $150 per bag (51-70 lbs) or $200 per bag (71-100 lbs) for the Overweight checked bags as per the Southwest Baggage Weight Limit.
- In either case, you don’t need to pay any amount for military traveling for those who are on active duty or for permanent changes in station orders.
What Are the Fees for the Sports Equipment on Southwest Airlines?
While flying with sports equipment’s on Southwest Airlines, do keep a track of the below mentioned pointers.
- $75 will be charged for per bag of sports equipment.
- Travelers flying with sports equipment’s such as ski’s, golf bags, fishing equipment and lacrosse should fall under the Southwest Airlines size and weight limit specifications.
- The entire bag will be counted as one-checked bag.
- Remember , additional fees might be charged as per the Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy.
What is Southwest Carry-on Policy?
Southwest Airlines is known for its generous baggage allowance. However, there is a definitive fee associated with oversized baggage. To know more about Southwest Carry-on Policy, give a quick read to the below demonstrated table.
Allowed Baggage |
Baggage Fees |
1st Carryon Bag |
$0 |
2n Carryon Bag (along with personal items) |
$0 |
1st Checked Bag |
$0 |
2nd Checked Bag |
$0 |
3rd + Checked Bags |
$150 per bag |
Military traveling on active duty |
$0 |
Camera Equipment |
$75 per item |
Overweight Checked Bag |
$150 per bag (51-70 lbs.) OR $200 per bag (71-100 lbs.) |
Oversize Checked Bag |
$200 per bag larger than 62 inches up to 80 inches |
Southwest Baggage Check Time
Passengers traveling with Southwest Airlines should arrive early as per the Southwest Baggage Check Time. Travelers should remember that bags checked within 45 minutes of departure for domestic flights might not make it into the plane resulting in your baggage not reaching your destination. For international flights the rules are more strict resulting in no boarding if you miss your flight.
Southwest Lost or Damaged Bag
Southwest will not entertain the passengers for any loss or damage caused due to normal wear and tear such as scratch or scuffs as per the Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy. The airline will only take responsibility to reimburse the damage if it is reflected on the wheels, pockets, straps or feet and falls under no normal wear and tear. According to the southwest airlines damaged baggage policy:
- Passengers can file a report in person to the Baggage Service Office present in the airport.
- For domestic itineraries, passengers must notify the airline no later than four hours.
- Based on the Southwest airlines lost baggage policy, you can scan the QR code to make a report for your lost or damaged bag.
- In case of international itineraries, travelers must contact the airline before seven days in the case of damage caused to the baggage.
Conclusion
It’s quite beneficial for the passengers to have a full information regarding the baggage claim and limitations according to the Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy. For a smooth and hassle free journey remember to follow the baggage rules and regulations. Contact the Southwest Airlines at +1(800) 912-9792 for a seamless journey.
FAQs:
How many bags can you bring for free with Southwest?
Travelers can carry two carry on bags along with one personal item according to the Southwest Baggage Allowance.
How do I know if my flight is a red-eye?
Travelers who are willing to travel with red eye flights on Delta but are not sure how to book their respective tickets can choose these simple methods such as offline, online and via app. These methods are simple and easy to follow. Passengers can find the best deals with these easy steps below.
Can I have two carry-on bags on Southwest?
Yes, travelers can carry two carry-on bags on Southwest Airlines while flying.
What are the rules for checked bags?
In order to carry checked bags remember to adhere to the general rules such as the weight should be upto 50 pounds and dimension upto 62 inches or less.
What is the weight limit for carry-on luggage on Southwest?
As such there is no specific weight limit for carryon luggage when flying with Southwest Airlines. Passengers are not required to pay any extra fee if the bag fits the size restriction.
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